Bangladesh have confirmed they will not travel to India for the T20 WC 2026, starting February 7, citing security concerns. The decision puts their participation in doubt. The Bangladesh Cricket Board informed the ICC after internal discussions with government officials.
The BCB had requested the ICC to shift their group matches to Sri Lanka. The ICC rejected the request after reviewing the situation. Bangladesh officials stated that the security conditions prompting concern remain unchanged.
T20 WC 2026 Decision Finalised in Dhaka
The decision was finalised after a meeting in Dhaka involving BCB officials, national team members, and Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul. He stated clearly that the government has taken a final call. According to him, there is no scope for reconsideration.
Nazrul said Bangladesh still hopes to play if matches move to Sri Lanka. He added that the refusal to travel to India is entirely a government decision. The stance has been communicated formally to the ICC.
Bangladesh’s T20 WC 2026 Match Schedule Impacted
Bangladesh were scheduled to play four group matches in India. Three matches were set in Kolkata at Eden Gardens. One match was scheduled in Mumbai at Wankhede Stadium against West Indies, Italy, England, and Nepal.
The BCB has maintained that it wants to remain in the tournament. However, participation depends only on a venue change. Without that, Bangladesh will stay away from the Indian leg of the T20 WC 2026.
ICC Stands Firm on T20 WC 2026 Stance
Tensions increased earlier after BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. The move cited recent developments and raised player safety concerns. This strengthened Bangladesh’s request to the ICC.
The ICC rejected the concerns after independent risk assessments found no credible threat. It gave the BCB a 24 hour deadline to confirm participation or face replacement, likely by Scotland. With no shift from the ICC, Bangladesh’s T20 WC 2026 participation now looks unlikely.
